Time reps spend in district matters: Our View

2:00 AM,
Jun. 27, 2014

Written by

Gannett Central Wisconsin Media Editorial Board

We've all seen this phenomenon: A politician elected to the U.S. House or to the Senate begins his or her Washington career with a strong tie to home. Maybe that translates into the types of policies he or she takes up, or committee assignments, or simply time spent in the district.

As time passes - and perhaps as the new representative's level of prestige and responsibility grows - these politicians become creatures of Washington, and their visits to their home districts start to seem more like, well, visits.

It was a common accusation of Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau, among residents of the 7th ...